Verizon Galaxy S8 Is S8 screen as fragile as I read on VZ website reviews?

My sister's Note5 battery seems to be on its last legs, so thinking of buying an S8, but read from so many reviews on VZ website about cracked screens and backs when dropped from only 2 feet and other cracked all on their own according to the people.
And it's not just a few people claiming screen problems, it's a lot.
Any input on this topic will be very helpful, as we are planning to go to Costco tomorrow and get the S8, maybe.

With all of these super expensive phones I highly recommend a good case and a screen protector. That being said, I've dropped my phone on its face and back several times and have had no damage. I have a Mophie battery case and a Zaag screen protector (not the glass one). Otherwise I think you could crack the phone easily.

My sister's Note5 battery seems to be on its last legs, so thinking of buying an S8, but read from so many reviews on VZ website about cracked screens and backs when dropped from only 2 feet and other cracked all on their own according to the people.
And it's not just a few people claiming screen problems, it's a lot.
Any input on this topic will be very helpful, as we are planning to go to Costco tomorrow and get the S8, maybe.

At minimum, put a case on the device. Curved edges are naturally more prone to cracking if they hit at an angle.

Just saw the phone last night. No case and it was dropped once. Front left corner Impact point from about 3 feet. Totally destroyed that corner and spiderwebbed the whole screen. Owner had it about a week. It had a glass screen protector on it. But the damage was too extensive to even use it except to answer calls.

They're not 'fragile', but with curved glass all around, you have way more 'weak spots' to hit 'right' (or wrong, if you do crack it). It's all about location (if not, ask your pinky toe whenever it meets furniture legs).

Think about your shins. If you fall from 5 feet but land on a flat surface, you might get off with a few scratches and just be on your way. Fall from 3 feet but onto a sharp concrete step and you'll need stitches and maybe even a cast.

wow... my sister called Sammy to ask how to go about sending in the phone for a new battery, and how much it would cost.
To our amazement, the rep on the phone told her to find her imei number and call them back and they will send a mailing label. They said there would be no cost for the new battery. Phone is about 21 months old if that makes any difference.
She still has about 3 payments left. With a new battery, I will be able to sell her Note5 for a decent price. Now the question is what to replace it with? Just looked at iphone 7 as one option. I have a S7 Edge and love it. We both use Otterbox protectors which I really like.

Like SpookDroid said. It depends on how it lands. I've always used a case on my phones. I'm that guy who is constantly stubbing his pinky toe or banging his knees/shins/head against something. So, how much trust do you think I have in myself about not dropping a phone?